Page 1 of 2

Gearboxes 101

Posted: Sat Aug 21, 2021 10:18 pm
by Gillaspy2005
Hey everyone, looking for a bit of guidance here if possible. I am looking to upgrade the bog standard gearboxes on my panther, they simply aren't powerful enough to move the weight of it now.

What should I be looking for in the gearboxes? I want realistic movement at low speeds, take it that means torque rather than rpm. Some of the gearboxes are saying 380 motors some 580, what should I be aiming for on the ratings?

There are a lot of options at forgebear tanks, have put the links below. The dual current ones and the taigen premium series look interesting (bottom two links), the look good quality however I don't really understand what I am looking at. Anyone want to take pity on me and give me the lowdown Image. Thanks in advance!


https://www.forgebeartanks.com/store/p3 ... 203-L.html

https://www.forgebeartanks.com/store/p9 ... _Tank.html

https://www.forgebeartanks.com/store/p9 ... _G%29.html

https://www.forgebeartanks.com/store/p1 ... 20264.html

https://www.forgebeartanks.com/store/p1 ... er_G_.html

https://www.forgebeartanks.com/store/p1 ... nther.html


Sent from my SM-G986B using Tapatalk

Re: Gearboxes 101

Posted: Sun Aug 22, 2021 12:15 am
by Jimster
I recommend the dual current Heng Long. That’s what I run in my Tiger1. Quiet and solid with no exposed gears to eat wiring. Super smooth slow capability with all the torque you will probably ever need.
Edit: Forgot to add that the gearbox I received from ForgeBear was labeled “Fast” and I swapped the drive gear with a slower version from my old broke down DKLM gearbox.

Re: Gearboxes 101

Posted: Sun Aug 22, 2021 12:21 am
by Jimster

Re: Gearboxes 101

Posted: Sun Aug 22, 2021 1:04 am
by Gillaspy2005
Jimster wrote:My next gearbox will be from here. https://etoarmor.com/?product_cat=eto-t ... ade-by-eto
Wow, they are some serious kit. Must weigh some too. Would they upset the balance of the tank? Would go wherever you told it to!

Fancy a jagdtiger at some point soonish, perhaps I may splurge for them. Would drag anything anywhere by the looks of them.

Review needed if you invest.

Sent from my SM-G986B using Tapatalk

Re: Gearboxes 101

Posted: Sun Aug 22, 2021 1:07 am
by Gillaspy2005
Jimster wrote:I recommend the dual current Heng Long. That’s what I run in my Tiger1. Quiet and solid with no exposed gears to eat wiring. Super smooth slow capability with all the torque you will probably ever need.
Edit: Forgot to add that the gearbox I received from ForgeBear was labeled “Fast” and I swapped the drive gear with a slower version from my old broke down DKLM gearbox.
Thanks for the recommendation, will give them a go I think. Will have to ask the question on the 'fast' bit before I order.





Sent from my SM-G986B using Tapatalk

Re: Gearboxes 101

Posted: Sun Aug 22, 2021 1:19 am
by jarndice
ETO Armour makes a very well engineered gearbox,
But the Problem is that while they are designed and built in the Ukraine they are sold from an American web site which makes the postal charges to the UK impossible.

Re: Gearboxes 101

Posted: Sun Aug 22, 2021 1:28 am
by Gillaspy2005
jarndice wrote:ETO Armour makes a very well engineered gearbox,
But the Problem is that while they are designed and built in the Ukraine they are sold from an American web site which makes the postal charges to the UK impossible.
Yeah, £220 already plus god knows what shipping and duty. Looking at £300 for gearboxes. Not a cheap deal. Defo a decision to make there.

Sent from my SM-G986B using Tapatalk

Re: Gearboxes 101

Posted: Sun Aug 22, 2021 1:46 am
by Jimster
Wow. That does sting a bit. Never thought about shipping.

Re: Gearboxes 101

Posted: Sun Aug 22, 2021 3:56 am
by jarndice
I bought an MG 34 mg ball mount in brass for a Tiger 1 from ETO the postage alone was £30,
Please don't mistake me the engineering was a wonder to behold but the postage was simply too much.
Eto are still on my favourite list but it is more a source of reference than somewhere i would seriously consider buying from.

Re: Gearboxes 101

Posted: Sun Aug 22, 2021 9:44 am
by MITCH
I made a gearbox similar to ETO's for my KV1S and a dual current gearbox for my AMX50 120. The dual current system is superior in every way. Better control in curves and above all, equal speeds on both tracks. I recommend the dual current heng long box even if I have not tested it... :thumbup: